The decision to extend the pre-transitional period of the peace agreement is a sign of goodwill among parties to end the suffering of their people, says the Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan or UNMISS.
David Shearer in a statement says this six-month extension gives the parties more time to achieve the benchmarks agreed upon and make peace a reality
He described the decision of the parties as important to reassure the people of South Sudan that the peace agreement is still alive.
It is a step towards ending the suffering caused by the conflict and gives millions of displaced families the confidence to return home and rebuild their lives, Shearer adds.
He says the responsibility lies with the parties to live up to their commitments and that key political leaders should meet regularly to ensure the agreement stays on track.
The UNMISS Chief regrets that a number of fundamental issues remain unresolved, including the formation of a unified security force and the issue of boundaries and states.